With Niagara now in the Red (Control) category of the province’s COVID-19 response framework, Brock University will move into Stage 2 (Red/Control) of its own framework as of 12:01 a.m. Monday, March 8.

Ontario uses a region’s COVID infection rate to set its classification, which dictates the level of restrictions to be imposed. Red is the most limiting category before a complete lockdown is ordered by the province under the Grey category.

For nearly one year, Brock has been working under a modified operational plan with reduced on-campus activity and primarily online course delivery. Brock has been in the Stage 1 (Grey/Lockdown) classification since Dec. 24.

Under Brock Stage 2 (Red/Control), classes will continue primarily online, with the exception of a small number of courses that have obtained special approval. Classes will continue mostly online, though Brock continues to plan for a return to on-campus instruction for the Fall Term.

Under Brock Stage 2 (Red/Control):

• Access to campus will be limited to those who need to be on campus. Three entrances will be available: Rankin Family Pavilion, the east doors of Cairns Complex and the Art and Val Fleming Commons (Hungry Badger) in South Block.
• Please use the COVID-19 pre-screening tool available through the Brock Safety App.
• Social gatherings are limited to five people indoors and 25 people outdoors, where physical distancing can be maintained. Class sizes are excluded from these restrictions.
• Meeting/event spaces (those that have been authorized) will have a maximum occupancy of 10 indoors and 25 outdoors.
• Food service at Guernsey Market remains takeout only with indoor, sit-down dining suspended.
• University residences will continue to operate as planned with current mitigation measures such as significantly reduced occupancy and no guest policy continuing.
• James A. Gibson Library will have bookable study spaces for students, with a maximum occupancy of 10. Book pickup hours available during opening hours. Interlibrary loan for print books resumes.
• The Campus Store will remain online-only.
• The Computer Commons will reopen as appointment-only bookable space with a maximum occupancy of 10 students.
• Graduate student study space in Plaza Building will reopen with a maximum occupancy of 10 students.
• Some time-sensitive, in-person research will resume, but researchers must be prepared to pause should the public health situation change.
• Parking remains free for the balance of Winter Term with enforcement continuing for laneways and accessible parking.
• Public access to campus is not permitted.

Impact on Brock Sports and Recreation:

• Access to athletic and fitness facilities will be through the Art and Val Fleming Commons near the Hungry Badger in South Block.
• Approved team sport training may resume with a focus on skills and drills only while physical distancing is maintained. Games or scrimmages are not allowed and a capacity of 10 student-athletes is set per practice or training session.
• The Zone Fitness Centre, basketball courts, aquatic centre and other facilities will reopen for Brock students only with capacity limits and physical distancing measures in place. Access will be by appointment only.
• Public access to campus fitness facilities is not permitted.

While Niagara has moved into the Red category, allowing Brock to do the same, the situation is fluid and may change. The Province of Ontario has an ‘emergency brake’ system in place, which allows it to move regions into lockdown on short notice should the local situation deteriorate. As a result, the University may need to quickly implement further restrictions and will provide timely updates to the community as needed. It is the responsibility of department heads and managers to ensure the activities taking place in their units are consistent with the Brock Stages document and provincial regulations.

The Brock community is also reminded to continue physical distancing, mask use, hand hygiene and effective screening in order to limit the spread of COVID-19.

For more information about Brock’s COVID-19 measures, please visit brocku.ca/coronavirus